Scottish Gov backs #VATsTheProblem campaign
The Scottish Government and SNP have backed calls to cut hospitality VAT to 10% following mounting pressure from operators north of the border.
Archives for September 28, 2026
Chickpea Group appoints Gavin George as chair
South West pub operator Chickpea Group has appointed former Laine Pub Company chief executive and co-founder Gavin George as chair, as the business gears up for its next phase of growth.
Three Welsh councils scrap or suspend visitor levy plans
Three Welsh councils have scrapped or suspended plans to introduce a visitor levy following opposition from businesses and tourists.
XP Factory offloads Boom Battle Bar
XP Factory has offloaded its Boom Battle Bar brand, saying it will focus exclusively on the continued growth of its Escape Hunt concept.
At risk pubs to receive support in £210m high street package
Pubs and other community businesses at risk of closure could receive support through a new £210m Government package aimed at reviving high streets.
GBPA 2026: Find out about the Best Community Pub winner - the Swan, Clewer
Nestled in the village of Clewer, the Swan truly puts the community at its heart.
GBPA 2026: Find out about the Best Country Pub winner - the Red Lion, Cranford
The Red Lion, Cranford, boasts all the traditional elements you’d expect from a country pub, but its quirky extras, modern touches and focus on genuine hospitality are what sets it apart from the rest.
GBPA 2026: Find out about the Greene King Pub of the Year winner - the Old Ship Inn, Perth
More than 17 years of hard work has paid off for one Scottish licensee after she took home a top pub award.
OPINION
OPINION: The Monday that reminded me why I love hospitality
Monday marks the start of the week, the dawning of a new chapter, a clean slate.
Amber Taverns eyes first M25 pub as expansion drive continues
Amber Taverns is set to continue its expansion drive and is eyeing its first site within the M25 after opening 16 pubs in its 2026 financial year (FY26).
Brewhouse & Kitchen sells two pubs to Trust Inns
Brewhouse & Kitchen has sold two freehold pubs on the south coast to Trust Inns, as it focuses on locations aligned with its longer-term plans.
SUSTAINABLE SEPTEMBER
Sustainability that pays: How greener pubs are cutting costs
From energy monitoring and cellar controls to in house laundry and refillable cleaning systems, pub operators are finding that sustainability can strengthen margins as well as reduce environmental impact.
‘Too many publicans have little profit to show for the long hours they put in’
The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) has urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to support pubs with a fair tax deal.